By KOPANO MONAHENG
UNEMPLOYMENT is not a milestone for youth only, but for their parents as well.
Although it is normal for parents to feel this way when they see the potential of their children fading away, it is much worse for young people who want to turn things around early in their lives rather than later.
They need all the support they can get.
Mpho Tshabalala, wife of the late kwaito superstar Mduduzi Tshabalala, well known as Mandoza, said the Mandoza Foundation is an answer to Mzansi’s youth unemployment crisis.
“Our main focus now is Youth Skills Development and Training,” she said.
“We provide practical skills training in Visual Arts, Fashion and Beauty, Graphic Design, Music, Drama and more.
“However, we do not only provide skills. We go beyond training to partner with companies for job placement and provide entrepreneurship assistance to ensure that young people can turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods.”
The Mandoza Foundation, in partnership with the Soweto Theatre, held a media launch themed “Bring Out The Nkalakathatha In You” on 18 September.
The date was significant because Mandoza lost his battle with pharyngeal cancer on 18 September 2016.
The media launch focused not only on remembering the iconic musician, but also on calling upon young people who still want to make it in life to believe in themselves and their craft.
The foundation wants every young person in this country who has a passion for music, arts, drama, media, fashion and other creative fields to have full access to the tools, opportunities and mentorship needed to thrive.
Mpho said there is so much talent in this country, but many young people are held back by a lack of information, skills and training.
“Many young people were passionate about Arts, Culture and Media, but had no pathway to turn that passion into a career. That became the turning point.
“We decided that the best way to honour Mandoza, who himself came from Zola and used his talent to uplift others, was to create a platform that empowers the next generation.”
Images by Rapule Ramalepa
